Construction work on the Carns State Aid Bridge, located northeast of Bassett, is scheduled to begin on March 10, with weather conditions permitting. The bridge was severely damaged during the catastrophic 2019 flooding and extreme ice flows along the Niobrara River. This disaster caused significant destruction to Nebraska’s roads and infrastructure, leaving nearly one-third of the state-maintained road network impassable.

“The damage to roads and bridges that we saw in 2019 was unimaginable, and we are glad to see the recovery efforts in Nebraska complete,” commented Jodi Gibson, NDOT Local Assistance Division Manager.

The Carns Bridge, which is situated about 5.5 miles east of the Highway 7 bridge over the Niobrara River in Rock and Keya Paha counties, is the last of the emergency response projects from the 2019 flooding to proceed into construction.

United Contractors has been awarded the contract for the project. The work includes the replacement of the previous bridge with a new 850-foot concrete structure, along with the construction of new roads on both sides of the river. In the meantime, a detour will remain in place for travelers until the project is completed, which is expected by July 2026.

The new bridge is expected to significantly improve safety and traffic flow in the region, ensuring a long-term solution to the flooding damage. Local officials and residents have welcomed the upcoming construction, marking another important step in the recovery process from the 2019 disaster.

Once completed, the updated bridge will enhance transportation and facilitate better access to areas affected by the floods, ensuring smoother travel for both local residents and visitors. Despite the ongoing detour, the completion of the project will be a significant milestone in restoring infrastructure and resilience in the region.